GHBA Remodelers Council: Ways to go green in remodeling home increase

By Judyth Piazza, Incredible Renovations |
June 6, 2014

May was National Remodeling Month, but it is never too late to take part by planning ways to make your home more energy efficient and functional.

Spring is here once again, a time for fresh ideas, creative beginnings, spring cleaning and home remodeling. Homeowners across the country are seeking ways to increase the value of their homes and eco-friendly ways to increase their quality of life.

These eco-friendly remodeling tips to make your spring remodeling experience the best it can be. More homeowners are remodeling eco-friendly and starting to make functional green improvements to their homes that will provide immediate results. There are several ways to make your home more eco-friendly by reducing your carbon footprint.

You can start by swapping your tank water heater for a tankless water heater, which will make your home more energy efficient. According to the EPA, tankless water heaters are on average 10 to 20 percent more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters and do not consume energy until hot water is being used. They take up less space and typically outlast tank water heaters by five to 10 years because they are less subject to corrosion.

Another energy-efficient way to produce hot water in your home is to replace your water heater with a solar-powered water heater, which gets 90 percent of its energy from the sun and typically has a gas or electric backup system.

Another popular improvement that can help to increase efficiency is replacing an outdated or aging HVAC system. There are newer, Energy Star-rated units that are more energy efficient and often use smart technology based on the homeowner's preferences. Just as smart homes are gaining in popularity, smart thermostats are, too. A smart thermostat studies a homeowner's living habits and automatically sets up an operation plan that will help to cut down on energy bills while reducing the home's carbon footprint.

Think green when thinking about lighting. The quickest and easiest technique is by swapping incandescent bulbs for new energy-efficient bulbs. They will save up to 75 percent more energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 10 times longer.

A great way to improve the look of your home and yard and save energy is solar-powered exterior lighting. Solar-powered lights are a good way to accent trees and other landscaping features as well as illuminate walkways that will provide additional home security.

Indoor LED lighting also saves energy and improves the interior of your home. LED lights are used for backlighting and interior cabinet lighting.